…because starting November 1, 2012, we will observe thirty days of gratitude! I wanted to give you an early “head’s up” so that you’ll have the option to join the month-long fun and plan to join us in some unique posts here and on our Petals from the Basket Facebook page.

Several years ago now, while living in Minnesota, I began using the month of November to demonstrate either verbally or in writing my gratitude to those who have touched my life in one way or another. Don’t get me wrong, I think we should be grateful every day of every month, but I think sometimes it’s important to acknowledge it in either verbal or written form—partly for the sake of the one who may be wondering at that moment if what they have done or what they have taught you REALLY mattered.

I did this little exercise in gratitude for many years and then sort of set it by the wayside until 2007. At that time, I decided to create a “gratitude spreadsheet” that others could use, and posted it publicly so that we could encourage one another in focusing our thoughts on our blessings! It has become an annual favorite for many of my friends. I would LOVE it if you would join me this year!

The brand new gratitude spreadsheet will be posted this coming Saturday, October 21st, but here’s a little more information on how it works: Every day in the month of November the spreadsheet will help you select someone who has impacted your life. This is not about giving gifts, making fancy handmade cards, or giving empty flattery—it is about demonstrating gratitude with your heartfelt words! You can email them, call them, send them a card that day, or talk to them in person. But you do it EVERY day in November—regardless of how much time you think you have. It takes mere seconds to say, “Thank you for the yummy cookies you bring me every year on Valentine’s Day. Your kindness encourages me and reminds me I am loved.” Then you hit send, lick the envelope, say good-bye or give them a hug—depending on your method of delivery!

I will add here, that as a Christ-follower, I will also take a brief moment to pray for the same person that day. If you don’t know someone in the listed category, go back and repeat a category from before— just choose a different person this time!

So be sure to come back on Saturday for a brand new gratitude list to use this November. I’m going to post it as a downloadable PDF on this site and on the Facebook page so that you can invite others to join in on the fun, print a copy to post on your refrigerator or hand them out to your book club or Bible Study group! This list is very different from the ones used in previous years, and I’m eager to share it with you on Saturday!

Enjoy every moment you’ve been gifted in October but start now to get excited for November and our “Thirty Days of Gratitude!”